Purdue, ADM partner in new innovation center
INDIANAPOLIS - The Purdue University Board of Trustees on Friday (April 8) approved naming a new College of Agriculture building with enhanced laboratory and classroom space the ADM Agricultural Innovation Center.
Archer Daniels Midland Co. is contributing $1.5 million toward the estimated $4.2 million cost to build the 27,000-square-foot, steel-frame center. The remainder will come from Purdue and other sources.
The project is an extension of a longstanding partnership Purdue and ADM have shared in the education of students as innovators in agricultural and biological engineering, said university President France A. Córdova. ADM over the past three years has recruited more students from Purdue than any other university.
"This facility will provide even greater opportunities for Purdue students to engage in projects that will enhance their education in the design and manufacture of agricultural machinery," Córdova said.
Construction of the center on the south side of campus will begin in late May and is expected to be completed in December.
The center will help develop the next generation of industry leaders, said Craig Huss, ADM senior vice president and president of agricultural services. It will feature 3-D projection technology and improved seating and ventilation to allow for enhanced research opportunities for nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students.
"As the global population continues to grow, the world is looking toward agriculture to create viable, sustainable solutions to some of the world's most pressing needs – like an abundant food supply and cleaner, renewable fuels," Huss said. "To help our industry meet this challenge, ADM is pleased to invest in Purdue University."
The center, which will include meeting space, is needed because the current building is small and outdated. Its machine shop capabilities will replace a nearby facility that will be razed to make way for a building that will house the new College of Health and Human Sciences.
"This is extremely important to our program," said Bernard Engel, head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. "It gives students hands-on experience to supplement classroom studies."
ADM's $1.5 million contribution, to be given over three years, is being funded through ADM Cares, the company's social-investment program. ADM Cares directs up to 1 percent of ADM's pretax profits to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide.
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins@purdue.edu
Sources: France A. Córdova, president@purdue.edu
Jessie McKinney, Archer Daniels Midland Co. Media Relations, 217-424 5413, Media@adm.com
Bernard Engel, 765 494-41162, engelb@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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